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In view of the protests in Albania today, we reaffirm the right of citizens to engage in peaceful demonstrations as an essential feature and a core value of democracy, but we strongly denounce any rhetoric by political leaders calling for violence.

Furthermore, the decision by the opposition to relinquish their mandates seriously hinders the functioning of democracy in Albania. The Parliament is the place where reforms and relevant developments should be discussed and taken forward, not boycotted.

Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn will be in Podgorica, Montenegro on 21-22 February for the Western Balkans Ministerial on Clean Energy Transition and for an official bilateral visit. Ahead of the visit Commissioner Hahn said: “I am looking forward to be in Montenegro and to participate at the Western Balkans Energy Ministerial. The EU strongly supports the clean energy transition and energy efficiency growth with increased renewable energy - areas where shared work and commitment by all the Western Balkans partners are absolutely essential to bring direct and concrete benefits to the people. I will also meet with political authorities and country’s representatives of civil society to stress that we are committed to support Montenegro in becoming an EU Member States. To this end, focus should be given to the rule of law, including media freedom and the fight against corruption.”

Today, the European Union has formally been notified by the Republic of North Macedonia of its new name, following the entry into force of the Prespa agreement.

We warmly welcome this historic step, which sets an example of reconciliation for the Western Balkans region and beyond. We congratulate the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of North Macedonia on this major achievement, turning a new page of our common EU future.

100 Young European Ambassadors from the European Union and its six Eastern partner countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine) are gathering this week in Brussels to celebrate the achievements of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) in the past decade.

In 2018, Georgia confirmed its strong commitment to political association to and economic integration with the EU, as highlighted by its government's high-level meeting with European Commissioners in November, and substantial progress in delivering on its Association Agreement commitments.

Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn is in Yerevan today and tomorrow to discuss EU support to Armenia on its reform path and the need for a continued engagement of the country in the region.

The European Union has recently adopted a financial assistance package worth €305 million, which is the highest amount ever allocated to Tunisia under the European Neighbourhood Instrument. This record financing reflects the EU's strong ambition to create better chances for the Tunisian youth, facilitate a more flourishing and attractive business environment and enhance the capacities of local governments to improve the living conditions of local populations.

The call for applications for the 2019 EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Turkey is launched. This year’s edition of the award is dedicated to the “Unknown Heroes”, Roma women who - through their work and commitment - have improved the social integration of Roma or brought positive change to their communities.